Without Mercy

Dakota Steele FBI Suspense Thrillers #1

by Ava Strong

MMA champ-turned-FBI Special Agent and BAU specialist Dakota Steele is as tough as they come—and as brilliant, too, able to crack serial killers that no one else can. But this new case is unlike anything she’s seen, and Dakota, weighed down by the demons of her own past, may have just reached her breaking point.

WITHOUT MERCY is the debut novel of a brand new series by critically-acclaimed and #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Ava Strong.

Dakota’s last case broke her, driving her to quit the FBI and return to the hard streets of her South Dakota hometown. She is weighed down by a lifetime of fighting, and by the demons of her dark past: her missing sister who vanished when Dakota was a teenager. Her estranged father, who she still can’t bring herself to speak to.

The killer she let get away.

Dakota has hit her low point.

Only the most desperate case—and the tough love of her partner—can lure her back.

Victims are disappearing along empty stretches of desert highway, with no witnesses. The landscape is desolate, the people tough and dangerous. And the police are stumped.

Time is running out before the next victim is taken, and it’s up to Dakota to connect the dots.

Can Dakota stop him in time?

Or will her own demons take her for good?

A complex psychological crime thriller full of twists and turns and packed with heart-pounding suspense, the DAKOTA STEELE mystery series will make you fall in love with a brilliant new female protagonist and keep you turning pages late into the night.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Audiobook, Fiction, Ebooks

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2022

About the author

Ava Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MEGAN YORK suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.

Reviews

[Terence M [on a brief old bloke's hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5>>3.0-Stars "It was OK , but I should have 'Liked It' "
Without Mercy (Dakota Steele FBI, #1) by Ava Strong
Audiobook: 06:23 Hours - Narrator: Tanya Saari
I enjoy 'police procedurals', especially if they involve the FBI, and I enjoy stories with 'kick-arse' heroines, thus it is no surprise that I acquired this two-books bundle from Audible.

Formerly an ex-MMA 'cage fighter', Dakota Steele definitely proved to be a 'kick-arse' FBI agent, perhaps to an implausible extent. However, her supportive partner, Marcus Clement, described as a muscle-bound, gentle giant, seemed reluctant to use his size and strength to advantage in early confrontations with the bad guys.

Unfortunately, Dakota's personal demons, including career-based guilt, a haunting childhood, and a destructive alcohol addiction, are on show right throughout the story arc. Her partner, Marcus, is very encouraging, as is her 'wise ex-coach', but her self-absorbed introspection was relentless. This became a very tiring aspect of the book.

The narration by Tania Saari was good, without being a standout. I'm quite sure Saari must have become quite frustrated with narrating the repetitious backstory and being forced to reuse the same phrases and expressions throughout the book.

Since I purchased the audiobooks as a bundle of two, I will listen to "Dakota Steele FBI, #2 - Without Remorse", but with some reservations regarding Dakota's dealing with her addiction. If I have to listen to the same repetitious introspection, I will fling the book onto the DNF shelf.

From my Reading Activity:
@37%: "I think the MC's character is somewhat too introspective, but I will persevere..."
@55%: "My interest in this Dakota Steele, FBI agent, story is slowly but surely deteriorating..."
@99%: "What a struggle to finish this book."

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Dakota Steele #1
Setting ~ South Dakota & Nevada
Publication date ~ June 14, 2022
Est Page Count ~ 186
Audio length ~ 6 hours 23 minutes
Narrator ~ Tanya Saari
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ ex-MMA fighter, ex-FBI, serial killer hunt, dumb choices

Dakota's ex partner needs her help tracking down a serial killer.

I liked Dakota well enough, but she does a little too much drinking for my liking. The pace was steady and I enjoyed her partner, Marcus. A bit repetitive and predictable, but overall fine.

Another Hoopla bonus borrow that I probably wouldn't have picked up otherwise. Free on Amazon if you want to give it a whirl.

Narration notes:
She did okay for the female parts, but not so great on the male ones.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are you kidding me with this?

## Despicable. Why do authors portray all female cops/agents so horribly? And why do they all have to be disgraced with a missing sister? Just once I'd like to read about a strong, capable, successful, drug free, likeable female agent. Not so here. Not only is Dakota a disgraced former FBI agent, but an alcoholic one at that. Yes please give her her service weapon back. She's a dyslexic high school drop out that continually hides her tattoos with turtlenecks. But the final straw for me was when she left the interview room to go do drugs in the bathroom (just a quick bump) before heading out to interview a suspect. At that point I lost all respect for her and decided to give up on this character. What makes her any better than the criminals she hunts?

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️: 3.5

I liked having a strong FMC who can fight. Some parts in the beginning felt slow to me but it picked up in the last half of the book.

Love how she kicks ass all the time hahaha. Interested in reading the next book in this series.

[Michael Slavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI lady goes after a serial killer.

There were many things I liked about this novel, a few I didn't.

What I liked:
-The motorcycle aspect of the serial killer
-The MMA aspect of the FBI gal
-Felt like it took place mostly at night
-A fight with her hands tied behind her back
-A secret club
-Took place in the Vegas area

What I didn't like:
-Too much whining, self-introspection, and fighting addiction of the main character.
-Could have been a lot more suspenseful if the boyfriend hadn't started by dropping a victim off. It kills the suspense of a few possible suspects.

It was different and was a good read.

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining. But repetitive.

The character development is super strong. I really like Marcus, just like Dakota, and adore Coach!

There’s a little too much spiraling on Dakota’s behalf for me to realistically think she’s a solid FBI agent - but alas this is fiction.

Will I keep reading this series? Probs listen to the audio whilst doing a puzzle or gardening. That’s the vibe.

[WHL (Bill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WITHOUT MERCY is the debut novel of a brand new series by critically-acclaimed and #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Ava Strong. 

My first read of this author. 

Good story, fast paced. Enjoyable read. Great start to the series.

[alifetimeofliterature · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would've enjoyed this more if I hadn't tried to listen to this as an audiobook...idk though

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good

[Mark English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Very exciting!

It reads well and it kept me interested throughout the story. Can't waif to read the next book in the series.

[Sarah-Maude Bérubé · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Ricki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Damaged ex-cage fighter and ex-FBI agent Dakota Steele is fighting demons- the alcoholic kind along with a hinted drug issue referenced as a "bump". Obviously, she has issues due to a lost sister and then a lost child in her last case. What actually happened is not fully explained.

Her old partner Marcus asks for help a current case and she agrees (how she functions while hiding in bathrooms/motel rooms to drink or do a bump is beyond me). Somehow, she is more damaged than functional and constantly having brawls with suspects but yet capable of getting the killer in the end.
Implausible!

[Avid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the strong female role and never give up spirit. The story itself bounced between a 3-4 star rating. I do like her character but get tired of the constant books with the same male imagery of dismissiveness and demeaning women. I do know it happens. I just think a book can be written without always having to go there and her still being badass.

While they 'catch' the killer, she's not convinced. She tries to voice her opinion. Of course it goes without saying no one in the upper echelon wants to hear it.

Thus the real story begins,...

[Dave Moline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This debut book of the series was good enough that I will likely read the second in the series but not by a lot.

It's very cliche. A little overboard with the "damaged lead character". Of course, there is the tough but caring partner and the harsh but wise ex-coach to pull her from the edge of the complete collapse of her life.

There are enough clues to her tragic past to keep going and the writing isn't bad. I just hope there is more pushing forward than stepping backward in her character arc in the future.

[Marty Carey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book kind of seemed like it was written by AI.
1. Have a female character who kicks ass and has a name like Dakota Steele, Montana Tuff, or Nevada Kickass.
2. Give her a past as an MMA fighter.
3. Make her quit her job as an FBI agent because she blames herself for a criminal who got away.
4. Have the FBI beg her to come back because only she can solve the latest crime.
5. Etc.

This quickly became a hate read for me.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook while gardening. It was a good selection for the purpose that did not need much concentration. The story introduces Dakota Steele, an FBI agent and an MMA fighter who is drowning her guilt over some previous cases with alcohol.

This is the first in the six-book series. In this book she is enlisted in the hunt for a serial killer of women who find themselves stranded in the Nevada desert.

The story moves along quickly but the main character spends a lot of time with self-reflection. Another quibble was the use of the word asphalt which the reader pronounced "ashfault". I think that pronouncement was jarring which made it stand out. Kind of a strange experience.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book by Ava Strong I've ever read... It's a bit predictable but it is still a good listen/read. Dakota Steele is a fighter a kick boxer who went through Quantico and joined the BAU when a little girl dies after her last case Dakota leaves the F.B.I. and returns to South Dakota diving into a bottle...When her 10 year partner Marcus Clement comes to see her to get her help on a new case she doesn't know if she can do it or not. Young women are being kidnapped and then killed by someone on a motorcycle....Dakota knows she has to try.....

[Sherrilc78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a free audio book on Barnes and Noble that I could listen to while I worked. it was good now I wanna read the next one.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

new author, new to me series, slow burn, flawed heroine, books are best read in order, bingeread while on vacation

[Wonda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, I ask how this rating is so high? Firstly, the case is ridiculous, who gets on a bike with a stranger...ever??? Secondly, this detective has ALL the clichés past family issues, recent case that just went "south" cause said detective to walk away, AND she is apparently the only one who can work cases! Mediocre writing, choppy sentences. BAU info is worse than a TV show...

[Victoria McClelland · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much time was built on describing the past of the main character (Acting Agent Steele), while still filling the writing with so many random facts that have nothing to do with the plot but almost none on the rest of the plot. Even considering this was a free download for me on Chirp, I found myself struggling to finish because it was all about Steele-and then oh wait, a criminal is caught. I expected so much more from a best selling author.

[Leanne Hardy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the main character, annoyed at constantly calling her work partner by the FBI name, how it comes to be 'solved' was very predictable but ok overall, not sure if I will read more in this series yet.

[Kasey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled to get through this book.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

My advice would be don’t bother! This book was free to download and looked like a page turner but I skipped a lot

[Denise Zendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota Steele, a former mixed martial arts champion and FBI agent, makes a mistake on a case that drives her to quit the FBI and return to her South Dakota home to lick her wounds and indulge her fondness for alcohol. She’s weighed down by a dark past that includes a hard life, a missing sister who vanished when Dakota was a teen, and an estranged father. She’s drawn back to the FBI by her tough love partner who really needs her help to figure out why disparate victims are disappearing along desolate stretches of desert highway and ending up very dead, displayed in public locations.

This was a surprisingly good read for me. I liked Dakota much more than I thought I would. She is very flawed (alcoholic, filled with self-doubt, lonely, anger issues) but also tough and brilliant, able to see patterns no one else can. I found her being an MMA champ an interesting angle. It made her more real. I appreciated the relationship between Dakota and her partner, Marcus Clement. He sees her for what she is and what she can be. “But he also knew her value. She studied people better than most. Her intuition for intention was off the charts. She was waspishly smart, especially in unconventional ways. She also knew better than most how to handle herself in a fight.” She does take one stupid chance in the book, which I wanted to smack her for, but the action did fit in with her rebellious nature, and contributed to the solving of the case, so I guess I can live with that.

This was a well-written, action-packed story told from alternating viewpoints (Dakota’s, Marcus’s, and the killer) that kept me on the edge of my seat and held my interest all the way through. The characters are well developed (especially for a first effort), even the secondary ones. The writing is clean and the plot compelling. I was sad when it was over because I quickly became attached to Dakota. At least there are currently six or seven more in the series. I will definitely read more of Dakota Steele’s story.

The author also writes the Remi Laurent mystery series, the Ilse Beck Mystery series, and the Stella Fall psychological suspense thriller series. I haven’t read those yet, but given how much I like Dakota, I’ll be giving them a try at some point.

[Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the mystery/thriller series that features FBI agent Dakota Steele and her partner, Agent Marcus Clement. The case in this story revolves around identifying a serial killer and bringing him or her to justice. The serial killer operates in Nevada. The primary character, Agent Dakota Steele is not what you might expect as an FBI agent. In her past, she was a professional fighter, an MMA kickboxer. As a professional fighter, she acquired many tattoos. As an FBI agent, she wears long-sleeved turtleneck sweaters to hid those tattoos. She worked her way though college in that kickboxing profession. Plus, she has a drinking problem that hasn’t yet been entirely solved. At the beginning of the story, Dakota has returned to her roots in Rapid City, South Dakota as she struggles emotionally and mentally from the poor results of their last case. Does she really want to continue with her FBI career? Plus, she is still haunted by the murder of her younger sister, approximately 20 years ago. These are not spoiler alert materials, it is all revealed early in the story as background information provided to the reader by the author so you’ll better understand who Dakota Steele is and why she is reluctant to resume her FBI career. The crimes committed by the serial killer in this mystery are indeed horrific. Plus, as the FBI agents pursue leads in this case, they encounter several unsavory characters and place themselves in mortal danger. That would be the thriller part of this mystery story. The dialogue is genuine and the relationship of the two FBI agents is a true partnership. They are friends as well as coworkers who truly like each other and work well together. All in all, this mystery is a good first installment in this series. So why did I give it a 4 star and not a 5-star rating? Dakota has a lot a personal issues that detract from a true police procedural mystery. Maybe that makes her a more interesting and three-dimensional character; but my preference is for real nuts and bolts police procedural mysteries.

[Carole Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randomly stumbled upon this on Amazon. I've been itching for a good thriller and mystery for the spooky season!

Here we follow Dakota. MMA champ-turned-FBI Special Agent and BAU specialist. Her last case broke her and she had to quit. The killer got away. This last case brought back the demons of her lifetime of fighting and her sister who vanished when she was a teen. Only the most desperate case and the tough love of her partner will bring her back. People are disappearing along the empty stretches of a desert highway. No witnesses and everyone is stumped. Time is running out and it is up to Dakota and her partner to connect the dots.

Dakota has a lot of issues. That last case certainly broke her. I can see why. It would've probably broken the toughest cookie. They couldn't find the killer. But I liked her a lot and I adored her partner.

I hope the next book has more character-building. I feel like we got to know Dakota a little bit but I want more. Also, I want to learn more about Marcus. I feel like there is a lot under the surface for both of them. I hope we get to meet more characters along the way!

The mystery was good and I had no idea who and how.

I enjoyed this and that ending left me wanting more. The last couple of pages had me all "WHAT?!" There is something at play here and it may shake all of the FBI to its core. Can't say what, but I feel there is something coming. Now I need to read on.

This was pretty short but it worked. That ending and the characters have me wanting to read the next one! The mystery was good! I had zero ideas on the who and how. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know! In the end, I recommend this if you like mysteries and thrillers. I'll give this 4 stars.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without Mercy is a gripping psychological thriller that kicks off Ava Strong’s Stella Fall FBI series with intensity and intrigue. The story follows FBI Special Agent Stella Fall, a woman haunted by her own dark past and fiercely committed to justice. When a young woman is found murdered in a seemingly peaceful town, Stella is called in to unravel the disturbing mystery — and the killer’s trail quickly turns more sinister than expected.

Strong delivers a fast-paced, emotionally charged narrative that blends forensic suspense with personal drama. Stella’s character is both tough and vulnerable, making her a compelling protagonist. Her struggles with trust, her relentless pursuit of the truth, and her complex relationship with her past give the story emotional depth. The plot is tight, full of twists, and the pacing rarely lets up.

What sets this book apart is its blend of crime procedural and psychological depth. If you enjoy stories with strong female leads, intricate murder mysteries, and the inner workings of criminal minds, Without Mercy is a solid pick. It sets the stage for a promising series that fans of Lisa Regan or Kendra Elliot will likely appreciate.


Highlights: Strong lead character, sharp pacing, emotionally layered
Content Warning: Violence, trauma references

[Plots and Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Alcohol and Wheels
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: The motorbikes
Listen𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Normal
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Audiobook
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Alcoholic FBI Mystery
2.6/𝟱
tw: alcoholism

🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ straightforward mystery
~ problematic alcoholism exemplified & attempt at reform
~ MMA, bikes & tats 💁

Alcoholic ex-MMA, ex-FBI (3 months ago) Dakota, is having a pity party in her house when her ex-partner shows up with a case he knows she can’t resist - taking on the role of acting agent, Dakota journeys to Nevada to investigate 2/3 murders being committed by a man on a motorcycle. As the team tries to find the killer, Dakota will battle the demons of her past (missing sister, & dead hostage) as well as herself (alcoholism & low self worth), to find the killer before more women turn up dead.

✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.

A very basic straightforward listen - good for chores & driving. The story was linear, killer was hidden & there were no twists, but it’s a mystery that is mysterious and OF COURSE features a long lonely road where women’s cars break down on.

🌱THE MEH
~ the giant 6��6 “black” man with enormous “mitten-sized” hands 😬🙃 wtf
~ no spice to the story
~ repetitive narrative

♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)

[buzy_reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dakota Steele walked away from the FBI after her last case didn’t go as planned. She caused a killer to get away and a girl killed. Marcus entices Dakota with a new case trying to lure her back.
…
Motorcycle killer is on the loose in Nevada.
…
This is my first time listening to an Ava Strong audiobook. I’m not liking this book. Bikers are not my type of read. It’s not your typical procedure investigative story. Dakota is a tough fighter chick who lives in a crappy neighborhood. Marcus is a bulk of a nice guy. These characters are not your stereotypical heroes. Dakota is the trigger fighting female ready to throw a punch while Marcus the big black guy is the calm and tame guy who settles Dakota’s actions.
…
I am not the intended audience for this type of storyline. I was easily distracted. The dialogue by the killer was really bad. Ava Strong’s writing style doesn’t line up with my reading style.
…
Tanya Saari is the solo female narrator. This was an okay performance. I prefer duet performances especially when a voice actor is not skilled at voicing the male baritone. It’s not an easy task for a female performer. Only a few can achieve it.